Susan M. Peik <peikx001@gold.tc.umn.edu> Date: Fri, 3 Jan 1997
The Friends of Schinkel is a non-profit academic society dedicated to the 19th c. German architect, Karl Friedrich Schinkel. In addition to Schinkel's major architectural contributions to the cities of Berlin and Potsdam, his ideas have strongly influenced a number of 20th c. architects who have built in Chicago; including Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn, Stanley Tigerman and Joseph Paul Kleihues.
Dear Chancellor Broski,
It has recently come to Friends of Schinkel's attention that the University of Illinois at Chicago has turned over what remains of Maxwell Street to be developed into luxury hotels, condominiums, and an entertainment center. As we are all well aware, the 'Chicago Blues' has had a major impact on both urban black and white music culture for nearly a century. As director of an academic architectural society, I sincerely hope that the University of Illinois at Chicago and those responsible for the development of Maxwell Street will take into consideration the important historical aspects of this area in their plans for redevelopment. Considering the University of Illinois at Chicago's fine reputation in promoting racial equality in the city of Chicago, we trust that you will honour the good people who have passed through Maxwell Street (and blues lovers everywhere) by paying homage to their musical history. We sincerely hope that you will incorporate a Maxwell Street Historic Preservation District into the University of Illinois's plans for commercial redevelopment of the Maxwell Street area.
Cordially Yours,
Susan M. Peik, Director, Friends of Schinkel
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